DAY 4 - NELSON TO PUNAKAIKI
We had to do a quick visit back to town to re-visit the wool shop, the patchwork shop and the bead shop, before heading down the highway in the general direction of the West Coast. We passed through some exciting scenery and had lunch at the junction of four rivers. The stop also took in a small gallery which produced local crafts in wood and textiles. The made to order wooden coffins were a highlight. We also stopped at the local butcher so that we could buy some locally smoked bacon for breakfast tomorrow morning. Next stop was Westport for groceries then on to Punakaiki to the Beach House. The coastal scenery was again spectacular, and we were looking forward to seeing the Pancake Rocks and blowholes (if the tides are right).
The beach house is fantastic – right on the beach at Punakaiki, a two storey wooden house which has sleeping space for 9 people – it is beautifully decorated, well-equipped and comfortable. We drove up to the Pancake Rocks, a bit before high tide and were amazed at the rock formations and the power of the water. As high tide was close we saw some blowhole activity, but the light was fading fast, so the cameras were not catching the action very well. Finished the round trip walk and went home for a home-cooked meal (by Buffy and Maureen), and a quiet night in – no TV, lots of knitting and reading.
The beach house at Punakaiki
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